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How Much Roof Space Do I Realistically Need For Solar?

When it comes to going solar, one of the most important aspects to consider is how much roof space will be needed to accommodate the system to adequately power your home with the sun’s rays.

Here at Solar Bear Orlando, we will walk you through what you need to know so you can start your solar journey in Central Florida confidently! Ready? Let’s get to it!

Solar Panels + Roof Space: What to Consider

When determining how much roof space you need for your solar array there are a few things to consider including:

• The efficiency and output of your chosen panels
• Shading from trees or other buildings
• Orientation and tilt angle of the system

All of these factor into your solar system’s performance as well as how many panels you will need to power your home.

Before we begin a solar install, our experts at Solar Bear Orlando will conduct a thorough site assessment to accurately determine the ideal size of your solar system. We will carefully analyze your home’s electricity consumption and available roof space which will allow us to design a custom array that will maximize your home’s potential.

So, How Much Space is Needed for Solar?

Generally, each square foot of roof space can generate about 15 watts of solar energy. So a small home might only need around 200 or 300 feet of roof space for a solar array, while a larger home would likely require more than 1,000 square feet to offset the home’s electricity needs.

The average American household uses a good amount of energy each day and to offset this efficiently, you will likely need 18 to 24 panels. Of course, to get optimal results, this means that your panels will need to have the best orientation and tilt, not be shaded, and your location should get adequate sunlight year-round. Florida is a great place to go solar! We’re called the Sunshine State after all!

So to find out how many solar panels your roof can support you can easily calculate it by:

• Multiplying the square footage of your roof by .75 (this takes into account the required solar setback)
• Take that number and divide it by 17.5 which is the square footage of a standard solar panel.

The resulting number is the maximum number of solar panels that your roof can safely support. Not sure or want to be more accurate? No worries! That’s what our team is here for. We can calculate how many solar panels your home will need and how many your roof can hold for you!

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much roof space is needed for a solar array, which is why we’re here to help you make the most of the sunshine that Florida has to offer no matter the size of your home or business!

Contact Solar Bear Orlando Today

Ready to install solar at your Central Florida home or business? We can’t wait to help! We are here to ensure your solar array fits your roof like a glove. With our expertise, you’ll be reaping the benefits of solar power in no time.

Contact Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 471-7442 for a quote today! We are ready to design the optimal solar system that will meet your home’s energy needs.

How Much Do Solar Panels Actually Save In 2024?

Solar panels have become a staple in Central Florida, offering not just environmental benefits but also significant savings for homeowners. But we often get asked, “How much do solar panels actually save?”

Join our solar experts at Solar Bear Orlando as we discuss the saving potential that solar installations offer. Trust us, this article will make you reconsider your relationship with traditional energy sources!

Why Going Solar is a Good Idea in 2024

With continued advancements in technology and decreasing installation costs, the financial benefits of installing solar are more enticing than ever. In recent studies, it has been found that Florida homeowners can save an average of $10,00 to $30,000 on energy costs over 20 years just by switching to solar power.

Remember, this is just an estimate. Your home’s size, energy consumption, location, local energy costs, etc. will all play a role in your exact savings.

How to Maximize Solar Savings

The key to making the most of your savings when switching to solar likes to understand several things including:

• Your home’s energy consumption and local electricity rates
• The ideal size and configuration of your solar panel system
• How much sunshine your area receives

Also, other ways homeowners can save include taking advantage of government incentives and net metering policies.

What About the Solar Payback Period?

Depending on where you live, you can expect to pay around $17,000 to $20,000 for a 6 kW home solar array. In 2024 you can also claim 30% of your total solar project costs due to the U.S. Government’s solar tax credit, which could result in homeowners receiving around $5,100-6,000 when they file their taxes. After subtracting these savings, homeowners are looking at around $11,900-14,000 net cost for their arrays, which isn’t bad at all!

Ok, but we still aren’t at the payback period, but don’t worry, we are making our way there.

If your Florida home has optimal sunshine conditions, a 6 kW system can generate between 8,000 to 10,000 kWh of energy each year. If you have Duke Energy as your electric company, you will have an electric rate of around 13 cents per kWh. So, your expected annual power bulls savings could be $1,040-1,300 with solar. Nice!

So, with the cost of your solar array at $11,900-14,000 after tax incentives, the payback period could range from 11 to 10.7 years.

Read More > Understanding Solar Output

Ready to Go Solar?

As you can see, making the switch to solar energy is a smart choice for homeowners in the sunny state of Florida, not just due to the savings, but the promise of energy independence.

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando offers top-quality residential and commercial solar solutions that can help you save big on your energy bills. So why wait? Reach out to our team today for a solar quote at (727) 471-7442!

We can’t wait to help you harness the sun’s energy!

What’s the Difference Between Alternative Energy and Renewable Energy?

The drive towards cleaner energy solutions has placed a spotlight on terms like “alternative energy” and “renewable energy.” While they sound similar, there’s a key distinction to be aware of. Let’s unpack the concepts of alternative energy and renewable energy and understand what sets them apart.

Alternative Energy and the Path Away From Fossil Fuels

Alternative energy encompasses any energy source that offers a substitute to traditional fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas). Our reliance on fossil fuels comes with environmental costs, and alternative energy provides a path forward. This category includes:

• Renewable Sources:Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass.
• Nuclear Energy:While not renewable, it’s a significant alternative to fossil fuels.

Renewable Energy Is Nature’s Powerhouse

Renewable energy sources are a specific type of alternative energy. The core concept is sustainability—they derive from resources that replenish themselves naturally, on a timescale relevant to humans. The key types are:

• Solar:Harnessing the sun’s endless power.
• Wind:Using wind currents to generate electricity.
• Hydro:Power derived from the movement of water.
• Geothermal:Harnessing heat from the Earth’s interior.
• Biomass:Energy from organic matter (requires careful management for sustainability).

All renewable energy sources fit within the broader category of alternative energy, but not all alternative energy sources are renewable. Nuclear energy is a key example of this distinction.

Why Does the Difference Between Alternative Energy and Renewable Energy Matter?

Understanding this difference allows you to make informed choices about your energy sources. By embracing renewable energy, like solar energy, you have the power to:

• Reduce your carbon footprint:Solar energy harnesses free, renewable energy from the sun. It’s a simple way to contribute to a cleaner environment.
• Gain energy independence:Tired of dealing with power outages? With solar, enjoy less reliance on the traditional grid and gain more control over your energy needs and usage.
• Potentially lower your energy bills:Fed up with skyrocketing energy bills? Solar energy is free and renewable. You’ll save a significant amount of money in the long run.

Solar Bear Is Your Tampa Bay Solar Partner

At Solar Bear, we specialize in helping homeowners make the switch to solar energy. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of renewable energy, contact us today at (727) 471-7442 for a free consultation. Let’s harness the power of the sun together!

How Do I Charge My EV Using Solar?

Electric vehicles (EVs) and solar energy are truly a match made in heaven. If you’re a proud owner of both an EV and a solar panel setup for your home—or you’re considering one—you’re sitting on top of a green energy goldmine. Here’s a guide to harnessing that solar power to keep your EV charged and cruising the streets.

Step 1: Assess Your Solar Capacity

Before you can start charging your EV with solar, you need to ensure that your solar panel system is producing enough energy to meet your home’s needs and have some to spare for your vehicle. This means evaluating your system’s current capacity based on factors such as the number and orientation of your solar panels, local climate conditions, and typical household energy use.

To estimate the available solar power for EV charging:

• Calculate the average daily solar energy production of your panels.
• Subtract your home’s average daily electricity consumption.
• Consider the additional energy needed to charge your EV.

Remember—efficiency is key. You can improve the performance of your solar panels by keeping them clean and making sure they’re not shaded by trees or buildings. Installing a solar battery storage system can also help you save the sun’s energy for when you need it most.

Step 2: Install an EV Charger Compatible with Solar

Once you’re certain that your solar setup can handle the extra charge, it’s time to install an EV charging station that works with your solar system. There are various types of charging stations, ranging from Level 1 (standard 120-volt wall plug) to Level 3 (DC fast chargers). Level 2 chargers are the most common choice for home use as they offer faster charging times without the hefty price tags of Level 3 chargers.

Choose a Level 2 charger that’s compatible with a solar inverter. It should allow for scheduling charging times during peak solar production hours and provide data on your EV’s energy consumption. Some models even link with smart home systems to optimize charging times automatically.

Step 3: Link Your EV Charger to Your Solar System

Your machine should now be humming with the potential of solar energy. The final step is to connect the EV charger to your solar system. This typically involves:

• Working with a certified electrician to ensure a safe connection that meets local building codes.
• Programming your EV charger’s scheduling features to charge during peak solar hours.
• Setting up the charger’s monitoring system so you can keep track of how much solar energy is powering your EV.
• Enjoying guilt-free, solar-charged rides while reducing your carbon footprint.

Maximize Your Solar, Fuel Your EV – Talk to Solar Bear of Tampa

If you’re ready to take the next step toward sustainable driving and lower energy bills, the experts at Solar Bear Tampa are here to help. We can analyze your current energy situation, design a customized solar solution, and install the perfect EV charger to keep your ride powered by the sun. Contact us today at (727) 471-7442 for a free consultation and let’s start your solar-powered EV journey!